CMJ conference generosity benefits children’s cancer charity

Chief executive of the Birmingham Assay Office Michael Allchin recently undertook a sportive in aid of the charity to raise more than £5,000.

To salute Michael’s efforts, Willie Hamilton offered to auction himself to work in a business for a day, with the highest bidder allowed to dictate Willie’s every task.

Chairman of the CMJ Stephen Hughes gave Michael some time to introduce the charity’s work to raise money to buy bikes for children affected by cancer.

In the 15 minutes after showing the audience one of the bespoke ‘carer controlled’ trikes commissioned by the charity, Michael saw his fundraising total more than double.

Several hundred pounds were collected around the room and over £5,000 was raised by Willie Hamilton’s self-auction, after he accepted bids from the three highest bidders: Monique Hirschman of Drakes Fine Jewellers; Peter Anderson of Pandora; and Jason Allum of Allum and Sidaway.

Additionally, Peter Boyle of Argento and a consortium headed up by Melanie and Dominic Wakefield, Gary Williams and Laurie both pledged a trike at an approximate cost of £1,500 each.

All in all, the proceeds from the conference totalled £6,772 plus pledges for two trikes and free consultancy, bringing Michael’s total fundraising above £12,000.

“We had a great day, we learned a lot, had fun and raised a huge amount of money,” said Michael Allchin.

“The generosity of the CMJ and its suppliers has been just fantastic. I really can’t thank them enough.”